- UAE National Day holiday dates
- Places to visit in the UAE
- Road trip destinations from the UAE
- Road trip checklist
- FAQs
The UAE’s 51st National Day promises to be a grand celebration in the country! To mark the occasion, a four-day weekend has been declared in the UAE.
A road trip might be the ideal weekend plan if you’re looking for a quick getaway during the holidays. Get inspired with our list of places to visit during the UAE National Day weekend. Whether you’re looking for destinations within the UAE, or outside the country, we’ve got something for you!
When are the UAE National Day holidays in 2022?
The UAE Cabinet has declared three days of official holidays for public and private sectors, from Thursday, 1 December to Saturday, 3 December 2022. For those who normally have Sunday off, work will only resume on Monday (5 December), making it a four-day long weekend in the UAE.
Top places to visit during the UAE National Day weekend
Take a look at the best places to visit during the UAE National Day holidays.
Places to visit in the UAE
Jebel Hafeet Mountain, Al Ain
Jebel Hafeet is the second-highest peak in the UAE; it has some of the best panoramic views of nearby areas. Al Ain is often known as the ‘Garden City’, full of natural oases, springs and gardens framed by a majestic mountainous backdrop.
You can visit many attractions in Al Ain, whether you are travelling with friends or family. These are some of the most popular destinations in Al Ain:
- Wadi Adventure
- Al Ain Oasis, the UAE’s first UNESCO Heritage Site
- Al Ain Zoo
Make sure to check the timings for any attractions you plan to visit, as they may differ during the National Day holidays.
Khor Kalba Conservation Reserve
One of the best road trip destinations in the UAE is a drive to the Khor Kalba Conservation Reserve. While Kalba falls under the emirate of Sharjah, it’s a short distance from Fujairah City.
You will be enthralled to see a lush mangrove forest. The reserve is also home to a large number of rare birds and animals. This stunning destination is best experienced by staying overnight at the luxury tents of the nearby Kalba Kingfisher Lodge.
Fujairah City
Fujairah City is approximately 1.5 hours from Dubai and 2.5 hours from Abu Dhabi by road. The picturesque city is nestled between the Hajar mountains and pristine beaches. If you love water sports, then a road trip to Fujairah is a must this National Day weekend.
Some of the things to do in Fujairah include the following:
- Paddleboarding on the calm waters of Dibba
- Visit Snoopy Island for a breathtaking snorkelling experience
- Unwind at one of the city’s luxurious seaside hotels and resorts
Liwa
Want to experience the thrill of driving over dunes? This National Day weekend, make a trip to Liwa, located on the western side of Abu Dhabi.
Liwa is located along the northern edges of Rub Al Khali, and for those who want a break from the city, this desert oasis is your ultimate destination. Liwa is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes away from Abu Dhabi and 3 hours and 30 minutes from Dubai, but the picturesque drive makes up for the long travel time. This is one of the best road trips in the UAE.
Planning to drive down to Liwa during the UAE National Day holidays? Here are some of the activities you can do in the area:
- Go on a camel ride on the sand dunes
- Take your 4×4 up the Moreeb Dune
- Visit the Liwa Fort
If you’re staying at one of the hotels nearby, ask your hotel to prepare a picnic hamper, and enjoy it while gazing at the stars for the ultimate romantic experience.
If you’re planning to go off-road, make sure you have the right car insurance coverage to avoid any nasty surprises! Contact us at Hala Insurance to learn more about off-road coverage.
Places to visit outside the UAE
Planning to take your holiday beyond the UAE’s borders? Check out our suggestions for places to visit for the UAE National Day.
Watch a match at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
The National Day weekend is the perfect time to visit Qatar and catch the action live at the FIFA World Cup! You can drive from Dubai to Qatar, which will take just over six hours.
Some of the documents you would need are your Hayya card and a valid match ticket. If you plan to take your car into Qatar, you must also have confirmed hotel accommodation.
Want to make this ultimate road trip for football fans? Check our comprehensive guide on travelling from Dubai to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup.
Travel to Oman
Another popular place to visit during the National Day weekend is Oman! Its capital city, Muscat, is located about 470 kilometres from Dubai, though this can vary depending on your route.
You can expect the trip from Dubai to Muscat to take between six to seven hours, depending on the traffic, and the queue at the border crossing.
Before you set off to Oman, make sure you have the following documents:
- Passport with a minimum of six months of validity
- Proof of ownership of the vehicle (Mulkiya/certificate).
- A valid driving licence
- Valid car insurance with Oman cover (also known as the Orange Card)
Please note that it’s mandatory to have Orange Card insurance when travelling to Oman.
Oman offers several beautiful attractions for tourists. Don’t miss out on these popular places:
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Mutrah Souq
- Al Alam Palace
Road trip checklist
Going on a road trip can be extremely exciting. But before you hit the road, make sure that you’re adequately prepared:
- Check your car tyres
- Fill up the fuel
- Make sure you have the right car insurance coverage (especially if you’re travelling outside the UAE)
- Carry your Mulkiya or registration card
- Carry your passport (if you’re travelling outside the UAE)
- Make sure you have your driver’s licence
- Have an offline map of the route. The internet connection can be sketchy in more remote locations.
- Carry water and essential medicines
Make sure you’re prepared for your road trip by having the right car insurance! If you’re looking for car insurance in the UAE with full coverage and super-fast service, get in touch with Hala Insurance today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Commemoration Day in the UAE?
Commemoration Day, earlier known as Martyrs’ Day, recognises the sacrifices and dedication of Emirati martyrs in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service.
Are shops open on National Day?
National Day is a public holiday throughout the UAE, and schools, government offices, and most businesses are closed. On the other hand, shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment centres are usually open.
What are some of the landmark features of the UAE?
UAE is known for being home to the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. The nation also has some beautiful breathtaking man-made islands like Palm Jumeirah, The World Island and The Universe archipelagos. Aside from these, the UAE is also home to rolling deserts, majestic mountains and sandy beaches.
That wraps up our guide on the road trip destinations in and around the UAE! The UAE National Day celebrations will be a spectacular sight across the country. There will be beautiful fireworks displays across Dubai, while the official celebration will be held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). It will also be televised live on the UAE National Day’s official website and all local TV networks on December 2, 2022.
